HOME | PET SUPPLIES | LIVEAQUARIA | HELP | SITE MAP

CAT
ARTICLES

DOG
ARTICLES

FISH
ARTICLES

BIRD
ARTICLES

FERRET
ARTICLES

SMALL PET
ARTICLES

REPTILE
ARTICLES

Home / Dog / Nutrition & Feeding / Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog:

SEARCH ARTICLES

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog

Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith

WHAT'S THE MATTER?

1. Select a pet type

Print Article | Email Article

2. LOOKUP A PET DISEASE

OR CONDITION
A B C D
J

K L M N

S T

U V

EMERGENCY INFO open +

RESOURCES open +
FEATURES open +
MEDICATION CENTER
DICTIONARY

Q. Which foods could be dangerous for my dog?

A. Some foods which are edible for humans, and even other

Drs. Foster & Smith Bridg

Stoneware Feeders
As low as $7.99

species of animals, can pose hazards for dogs because

of their different metabolism. Some may cause only mild
digestive upsets, whereas, others can cause severe
illness, and even death. The following common food
items should not be fed (intentionally or unintentionally)
to dogs. This list is, of course, incomplete because we
can not possibly list everything your dog should not eat.

DOG PRODUCTS

DOG ARTICLE LIBRARY:

Allergies
Anatomy, Normal Values and
Basic Science
Arthritis, Bone and Joint
Disease

Items to avoid
Alcoholic beverages

Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.

Avocado

The leaves, seeds, fruit, and bark contain persin, which can
cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Bones from fish,

poultry, or other meat
sources

Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.

Cat food

Generally too high in protein and fats.

Chocolate, coffee, tea,

and other caffeine

Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can

cause vomiting and diarrhea and be toxic to the heart and
nervous systems.

Citrus oil extracts

Can cause vomiting.

Fat trimmings

Can cause pancreatitis.

Fish (raw, canned or

cooked)

If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a

B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in
severe cases, death.

Grapes, raisins and

currants

Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.

There have been no problems associated with grape seed
extract.

Hops

Unknown compound causes panting, increased heart rate,

elevated temperature, seizures, and death.

Human vitamin
supplements
containing iron

Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to

the other organs including the liver and kidneys.

Macadamia nuts

Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and

nervous systems and muscle.

Marijuana

Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes

in the heart rate.

Milk and other dairy

products

Some adult dogs and cats may develop diarrhea if given large
amounts of dairy products.

Moldy or spoiled food,

garbage

Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and

can also affect other organs.

Mushrooms

Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the

body, cause shock, and result in death.

Behavior and Training

Cancer and Tumors
Cases from the Clinic
Dental Care and Oral Disease
Digestive System
Ears
Eyes
First Aid & Emergency Care
Fleas and Ticks
Grooming and Sanitation
Heart and Respiratory
Hormone and Endocrine
Housing, Play, Travel and
Supplies
How To's
Human Animal Bond

Reasons to avoid

*We
suggest
that

Drinkwell 360 Fountai

As low as $33.69

Drs. Foster & Smith Water

Sedona Series Placema
As low as $6.99

Immune and Blood System

Infections
Liver and Pancreas
Nerve and Muscle Conditions
New Puppy or Dog
Newborn Puppy Care
Nutrition and Feeding Dogs
Parasites and Worms
Reproduction, Heredity and
Fetal Development
Senior Dog Care
Skin Conditions
Spaying and Neutering
Urinary System
Vaccines and Vaccinations
Veterinary Exams and
Procedures

Onions and garlic (raw, Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood
cooked, or powder)
cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than
dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
Persimmons

Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.

LeBistro Portion Control F

As low as $47.99

people

Pits from peaches and

plums

Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.

Raw eggs

Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the

absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair
coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.

Raw meat

May contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can

cause vomiting and diarrhea.*

Rhubarb leaves

Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and

urinary systems.

Salt

If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte

imbalances.

String

Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string

foreign body."

Sugary foods

Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes

mellitus.

Table scraps (in large

amounts)

Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never

be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat;
bones should not be fed.

Tobacco

Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous

systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and
death.

Yeast dough

Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing

pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Xylitol (artificial
sweetener)

Can cause very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can

result in vomiting, weakness and collapse. In high doses can
cause liver failure.

considering a raw diet for their pet educate themselves thoroughly regarding the safe handling and
preparation of raw ingredients, and the proper balance of nutrients required to maintain their pet's
health.

Print Article | Email Article

Subscribe to email newsletters:

featuring helpful articles, tips and online only product specials from Drs. Foster & Smith. Learn
more here !

About Us

Article Reprints

Awards & Memberships

Request a FREE Catalog

Tell a Friend

Meet Our Staff

Terms & Use

Site Map

Free Newsletters

Links to Us

Visit our other

websites:
For product information, call 1-800-826-7206
Copyright 1997-2013, Foster and Smith, Inc. - 2253 Air Park Road, P.O. Box 100, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501. All rights reserved.